2021 Pommard, Les Rugiens-bas, 1er Cru, Domaine de Montille, Burgundy

Rich crimson. A little bit of reduction but undoubtedly a powerful depth of quality fruit, on the darker side. Spicy as well as full of fruit, quite prominent acidity, the drier aspect from the 50% whole bunch. The fruit remains exceptionally youthful and will grow to cover the structure.

Drink 2027 - 2033

From a 1.02 ha holding; 50% whole clusters.

This is also presently moderately reduced and revealing little. On the plus side, there is excellent intensity to the sleek, chiseled and delicious medium weight flavours that terminate in a lingering finish that is much like the Taillepieds, e.g. overtly mineral-driven, austere and compact. This should be excellent in time but it’s not likely to make for especially interesting early drinking.

Drink from 2033 onward

The 2021 Pommard Les Rugiens-Bas 1er Cru has a slightly chalky nose, a mélange of red and black fruit and touches of undergrowth and autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, crisp and focused, quite elegant towards the finish with a long aftertaste. I can see this evolving over the long term.

Drink 2025 - 2040

In 2021, two-thirds of the grapes were fermented as whole clusters before ageing in cask one-third new).

The Rugiens-Bas has always been among the flagships of the de Montille estate since the time of Hubert. The 2021 vintage has delivered a wine in the classic Pommard style, somewhat restrained at first but opening with time to reveal a massive earthy, smoky fruit character. The texture is formidable, with firm tannins, fresh acidity, and abundant extract. The grapes come from the domaine-owned hectare parcel planted with old vines.

Drink 2027 - 2050